Shivangi Sinha
The case of Jessica Currin was lengthy and highly complex, spanning years of investigation and legal proceedings. The conviction of Quincy Omar Cross largely relied on the testimonies of two individuals, including Victoria Caldwell. In recent years, however, the case has seen renewed attention, with claims that Caldwell’s statements have been inconsistent over time. This controversy and the ongoing questions surrounding the evidence have been highlighted in ABC’s ’20/20′ episode titled ‘Lost in the Night: Who Murdered Jessica Currin,’ which explored the case and brought national focus to these concerns.
Victoria Caldwell Gave Her Statement About Jessica Currin’s Killing Twice
Victoria Caldwell was first involved in the Jessica Currin case back in 2000. Her initial statements contributed to the arrest of Carlos “Lolo” Saxton and Jeremy Adams, who were charged, but the case was dismissed in 2003 due to procedural errors. Years later, when interest in the case resurfaced, Caldwell was called as a witness again, and she gave a different account. She testified that on the night of July 29, 2000, she, Vinisha Stubblefield, Jeffrey Burton, Tamara Caldwell, and Quincy Cross were together, driving around while intoxicated, when they encountered Currin as she walked home.
Caldwell testified that they invited Currin into the car, where Cross made sexual advances toward her, then took her to Jeffrey’s house. She claimed that Cross struck Currin with a bat in the car and carried her inside while she was unconscious. Caldwell said Currin briefly regained consciousness, calling out her infant son’s name, before being assaulted and sexually attacked, hit with a metal rod, and strangled with a belt by Cross. She stated that Currin’s body was wrapped in a blanket and stored in the garage, but when it began to smell, they transported it to Mayfield Middle School and set it on fire. Caldwell’s testimony, along with Vinisha Stubblefield’s similar account, became central evidence in Cross’ 2008 trial.
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Victoria Caldwell is Out of Prison and Keeps a Low Profile These Days
Just before the trial, Victoria Caldwell pled guilty to tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse, agreeing to testify against Cross in exchange for a five-year sentence. During her court appearances, she admitted that she had initially lied to police in 2000 out of fear of Cross. Vinisha Stubblefield has since recanted her statement and signed an affidavit. The Kentucky Innocence Project alleges that Victoria told an investigator in 2012 that she fabricated her story to receive state compensation. Victoria, however, denies this and has signed an affidavit affirming that her 2008 trial testimony was accurate. The KIP also asserts that they have records of an alleged phone call in which Caldwell claimed she was coerced into giving her statement.
Victoria Caldwell’s diary entry from August 1, 2000, which reads, “Damn they found the body. Man, I hope they don’t find out it was us. F**k man Q is nowhere to be found. Jeff don’t wanna talk to me. This is bullsh*t. F**k I am out,” is also being scrutinized by the Kentucky Innocence Project (KIP). They allege the entry may have been written after 2000 and have filed a motion to examine the ink, claiming it does not match any commercially available ink from that time. These petitions are still pending, and there have been no official changes to Caldwell’s statements. She is believed to be living in Kentucky and generally avoids speaking to the media or making public appearances.
